Feature
What history has left in Beijing is not only the intangible civilization but also large amount of visible curio items. If you are an antique lover, do not miss the antique markets. You can find various and dazzling items from trinkets to treasures. Pan-jia-yuan and Liu-li-chang are two staple curio markets in Beijing.
Pan-jia-yuan
There are two popular venues gathering the busiest crowd before the daybreak in Beijing. One is Tian’anmen Square where there always are many people attending the national flag rising ceremony every day. The other one is Pan-jia-yuan antique market, which is the biggest antique market in China, attracting the crowd to pick treasures before the sunrise. The waiting line has already formed before the opening time 04:00 am. In the weekend, about 60,000 to 70,000 antique lovers are heading towards the market. Vendors are from everywhere too yet most of them not only speak Beijing and other local dialects, but also know some English and Japanese, which is usable in bargaining.
In early 1992, some local residents set the simple stalls on the road with the old bell, furniture as well as ancient Chinas. Gradually, the number of stalls turned over and the market was formed. Altogether, there are more than 2300 stalls now, with the products from dishware to vases, teapot to bronze wares, Buddhist sculptures to copy Terra Cotta Warriors, jade bangles to beads chains etc. It all depends on your insight to distinguish the real treasures.
The top shops are those bungalows with blue bricks and grey tiles, whose owners have their own specializing products on sale. The second top shops are in a large open hall without doors or walls. These stalls are the principal part of the whole market and the trinkets on sale are full of interesting, including emblems and pictures of Mao Zedong and handbooks in Cultural Revolution period. However, the most popular stalls are those exhibitions on ground blankets. Maybe you will find favorite item at random. Besides, more stalls will be set at weekend with sunshades. Although the shop is less decent, the real antiques may be laid among the mess pieces.
Liu-li-chang
The Chinese meaning of the Liu-li-chang is the workshop of firing the colored glaze. The official kiln had been set here since 13th century to make glazed glass for the court. Yet, the workshop moved to the rural suburb in 18th century, with only the name left. In Qing dynasty (18th century), this district became the biggest book market in Beijing. Since lots of local governments’ Beijing offices gathered here, it was the popular party venue for many officials and imperial examination participators. Shops managing culture-related painting brushes, ink, paper and ancient book and painting scrolls sprouted. Gradually, Liu-li-chang developed into a cultural attraction in Beijing.
Now, it has the reputation of the most traditional and well-known book market in Beijing. You can not afford missing Rongbaozhai Art Gallery-Since 1672 and stores selling ancient cultural books. A two meters long inkstone is the precious collection in Rongbaozhai Art Gallery. Except for calligraphy and painting works, Rongbaozhai is also specializing in mounting, uncovering and renewing the works. Old Beijing map, advertisement posters and old style post cards can also been found here. On the second floor, there is a special area selling the only existing copies and hand-written copies.
Time Range
half day
Price for Reference
A. RMB364 /per/person (taxi pick up + English speaking guide service) Minimum 2 persons
B. RMB434 /per/person (private car service + English speaking guide service) Minimum 2 persons